Spring is a perfect time to enjoy plump, juicy strawberries

Over the past few weeks, a welcome sign of spring has started popping up along some busy streets around the Midlands – the white Cottle Farms tents.

Inside are cartons filled with red ripe strawberries.

Yes, the berry season has arrived.

That means you can pick your own locally at the farm in Hopkins, or you can stop by one of the farm’s tents to purchase those that have been picked for you.

Tents are located at 5143 Forest Drive, in front of the Turning Point Dance Company; 1835 1/2 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, across from the West Columbia Zoo entrance; 7503 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, in the parking lot of Southeastern Salvage; on Bower Parkway in Harbison, in front of Pet Smart; Clemson Road, Northeast Richland, at the Sandhills Recycling Center; and at Rosewood Market and Deli, 2803 Rosewood Drive, Columbia.

Along some of Lexington County’s back roads, too, you’ll also find freshly picked berries ready for purchase. The Patch, for example, has a pick-your-own farm in Gilbert, but stands are available along U.S. 378, near Publix, Four Oaks Farm and Wingard’s Nursery.

This year’s crop looks to be a good one, and area farms have been busy harvesting to meet the demand.

“So far, the crop looks great, the taste is good, the quality is good and the yield is high,” said Sam Jackson, owner of Jackson Bros. Farms in Pelion, where workers on the 14-acres of strawberry fields pulled down 1,000 pounds of berries on a recent April day.

Still, for some South Carolinians, a favorite tradition of spring is picking your own strawberries. And right now, fields all over the state are sprouting pink and red, making it prime time to grab a bucket and get to pickin’.

Berry good news

Strawberries are a great fruit in so many ways. They're sweet. They're easy to handle and prepare, and they are kid-friendly.

Here are a few fun facts about berries, from several web sites along with Clemson Extension Service.

▪ Check under the top layer of berries in a box to ensure the berries aren't mashed or moldy.

▪ Strawberries are high in vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Eight strawberries contain more Vitamin C than a medium-sized orange.

▪ One cup of strawberries is only 55 calories.

▪ Berries should be stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They're best eaten within 1 to 2 days of picking. And wait to cut out the hull until you are ready to eat your berries. Otherwise, they begin losing their vitamin C value.

Enjoy!

A few recipes showcasing the delights of strawberries right now.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry blender (or in food processor), cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently fold in strawberries and basil. Make a well in the center of the mixture and set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half. Pour egg mixture into the center of the flour mixture, then using a large spoon, stir together ingredients until moistened.

Turn dough out on a floured surface. Knead dough by pressing it down, then folding dough in half, then turning a 1/4 turn before repeating. Knead dough for 30 seconds, then shape into a flat ball, 3/4 inch thick. Cut dough into 12 pieces and arrange pieces on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.

Brush scones with half and half, then sprinkle with sugar. Bake scones 15-16 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.

What’s Cooking with Jim

Puree strawberries and honey in a blender or food processor until smooth and transfer to a pitcher.

Add water and lemon juice and stir to combine.

Chill and serve over ice.

Epicurious

In a small bowl, mash the goat cheese with a fork to soften it up and season it with salt and pepper, thyme and honey. Mix well and set aside.

In a separate, wide-mouth bowl, mix the pistachios and fresh basil and set aside.

Pinch off a slightly-smaller-than-a-golf ball size bit of goat cheese mixture and flatten it on the palm of your hand to form about a 1/8 inch thick circle.

Place one strawberry in the center of the cheese and carefully fold the cheese around the strawberry, making sure to cover the strawberry with a thin coat of goat cheese.

Roll the goat cheese coated strawberry in the pistachio mixture and place on a plate in a single layer. Chill at least one hour before serving.

This story was originally published April 28, 2015 at 5:13 PM with the headline "Spring is a perfect time to enjoy plump, juicy strawberries."